Experienced and new voters urging people to post packs

But veterans of Westminster and European elections are having to familiarise themselves with the postal voting pack the same as novice voters.

Following the region's 19.58 per cent turnout in the 1999 Euro election, the North-East was named among four of the UK's 12 regional constituencies to have all-postal votes this year.

Among those who have filled in their ballot forms, have had them witnessed and packaged ready to return are a 94-year-old North-East political stalwart and an 18-year-old first-time voter.

Former Sunderland Mayor Elizabeth Porter, from Sunniside, has spent 50 years in politics and is familiar with the election process.

In contrast 18-year-old Hayley Phillips, who is just taking her first steps in politics as a member of Sunderland Youth Parliament, is registering a vote for the first time.

Mrs Porter urged the rest of the region's 1.92 million voters to make use of their vote and endorsed the postal ballot scheme. She said: "It is important for everybody to use their vote.

"It is the only way to get their views represented and I would encourage more people to get involved.

"The postal ballot is a more convenient way to vote and I am sure it will increase the turnout."

Ms Phillips, of Millfield, Sunderland, attends weekly meetings of the city's youth parliament, for 13 to 19-year-olds, discussing issues affecting them.

She fits in her political involvement with her job as a customer service advisor at a bank and also works as a volunteer playworker.

She said she appreciated the chance to vote by post.

She said: "The postal ballot is a lot more convenient for people who work. They do not have to take time off to go to a polling station.

"It is very exciting being a first-time voter and I am particularly interested in the European elections."

Ballot packs should be posted before Tuesday, or handed in at delivery points across the region up to the deadline of 10pm on Thursday.